07 Feb Lisa Bean brings debut production Laugh Or You’ll Cry to Northern Stage

Entrepreneur, coach and speaker Lisa Bean has made her show debut with Laugh Or You’ll Cry, a live production that premiered at Northern Stage last week.

The show marked the first time Lisa has stepped beyond keynote speaking and workshops to create a complete theatrical experience – including stories, music, lighting, staging and audience interaction — all designed specifically for the theatre.

Ahead of the performance, Lisa admitted she felt significant pressure to deliver.

“I was so anxious about doing a good job,” she said. “I’ve never done anything like this before – a full production. We planned a whole show, including music, lighting and a few special surprises for the audience. I wanted to get it right, and because there was a script – I had to!”

A show built around story, humour and lived experience

Laugh Or You’ll Cry takes audiences on a two-hour journey through Lisa’s life – from childhood and early career, through building a business during the 2008 financial crash, to her recent Master’s research into what helps entrepreneurs succeed and stay resilient.

In a formal review of the opening night, North East-based writer Kay Wilson described how the show blended autobiography, humour and insight, noting that it “really resonated with the audience” and that there was “huge respect for Lisa and her warm, empathetic approach.”

The review highlighted Lisa’s confident stage presence, audience interaction and storytelling style, which created what Kay described as a “warm, inclusive atmosphere” throughout the evening.

Research meets real life

A key theme in the second half of the show drew on Lisa’s academic research, exploring the role of self-belief, peer support and shared experience in entrepreneurial success. Rather than presenting this as theory, the research was woven into personal stories, moments of humour and direct audience engagement.

That blend appeared to strongly connect with those in attendance.

One audience member wrote:

“Really really enjoyed this. I was captivated from the start – funny, moving, educational. Came away feeling totally inspired.”

Another reflected on the sense of collective energy in the room:

“Fabulous night – came away filled with positivity and energy. The value of just spending time in a room full of like-minded humans can never be underestimated.”

A supportive room — on and off stage

The opening night audience included members of Lisa’s long-standing business community alongside friends and family, something that was visible throughout the performance.

Lisa later acknowledged the role that support played in bringing the show to life, thanking her family for “putting up with her” during the intense preparation period, and gave significant credit to community who showed huge warmth and support before, during, and after the show.

She also paid tribute to Chris Howard, who led production of the show, and to the Northern Stage team for their professionalism and support.

“Having a venue and production team who were so calm and professional made such a difference,” she said. “I could not have done it without Chris in the team, who designed the set, the programmes, and helped to direct the whole production.

First review, strong response

For Lisa, the night marked another milestone: her first formal theatre review.

Kay Wilson concluded her write-up by describing Laugh Or You’ll Cry as “a bit of autobiography, career advice for self-employed businesswomen, encouragement and practical advice for the dare-to-dreamers amongst us.”

Audience reactions echoed that sentiment, with many describing the evening as funny, emotional and affirming.

“It was incredible. Had such a good night. You smashed it,” one attendee commented.

With its debut performance now complete, Laugh Or You’ll Cry has positioned Lisa not just as a speaker or coach, but as a storyteller capable of translating lived experience and research into a shared night out – one built on laughter, honesty and connection.